Flat roof

Monday, 01 September 2014

Options for flat roofing

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Is flat roofing right for me?

When a flat roof covering comes to the end of its lifespan, you may want to consider your options before getting it re-covered. Don't necessarily rush out and get it re-covered in the same material you had before, especially if you have had to make several repairs to the previous covering during the time you had it. Making the right choice when re-covering can have a positive impact when it comes to buying flat roof house insurance.

Cost and duration

There are a number of options for re-covering your flat roof today, from cost-efficient but possibly shorter lasting felt, too more costly metal sheet coverings. If you just want to replace the old covering to help you sell your house, then felt may be good enough. But with a projected lifespan of around 15 years, if you plan to be in your home for longer, then it may be worth exploring a different option. The better your flat roof covering is, the more positive effect it is likely to have on your flat roof insurance.

EDPM and TPO type roofs

If you want to improve upon a felt roof covering, you may consider using EDPM or TPO type roofs. Both are forms of rubber and have a longer life expectancy than your basic felt covering. Asphalt roof covering is also considered to be stronger than felt, and has the added benefit of (usually) being safe to walk on. Lead roof coverings have been a staple on churches across the UK for years and this is often thought of as a more hardy material than the cheaper options, but copper and zinc are being used more often on modern properties.

Hard-wearing roof

The more you spend on your flat roof covering the longer it is likely to last (as a general rule of thumb), so spending less could prove to be a false economy in the long run. Flat roof building insurance providers are also likely to look more favourably on your home if you have a more hard-wearing roof. If you are environmentally conscious and you have a suitable type of roof to work with, you might even consider installing a green or "living" roof. Green roofs have great insulating properties and are very good for the environment, but the "extensive" variety can also double the cost of insulating/waterproofing your roof.

Green roofing systems

Today's green roofing systems comprise a series of functioning layers in order to allow plants to grow on your roof, and are found in two specific varieties. The "extensive" green roofs are made with a layer of substrate planted with low-growing and stress-tolerant grass species, mosses and alpines (which generally require little or no maintenance to thrive). "Intensive" green roofs will usually have a thick layer of soil which can then be planted with a wide variety of plants, vegetables and even trees in some cases. An "intensive" green roof will require about the same level of maintenance associated with a normal ground-level garden.

No matter what type of flat roof you have, you are likely to have trouble finding a reasonable quote with mainstream insurers. With homeprotect this is not the case. We can offer you a competitive online quote for flat roof insurance no matter what type of flat roof you have.